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Schefflera spp.

umbrella trees

Araliaceae

Tropical Asia, Pacific, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Schefflera spp. is a genus of evergreen trees, shrubs, and woody climbers in the ivy family, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. The genus is recognised for its palmately compound leaves, in which 5-16 leaflets radiate from the tip of a long stalk like the spokes of an umbrella, the source of the common name umbrella tree. Plants range from 1 m (3 ft) shrubs to forest trees 15 m (50 ft) tall, with glossy green, sometimes variegated, leaflets 5-30 cm (2-12 in) long. Small flowers are borne in branched terminal sprays or long spikes, followed by clusters of small red to purple-black fruit. Species grow in rainforest, forest margins, and on rocky outcrops, and some begin life as epiphytes. Several species are grown as houseplants and tropical landscape plants. The sap and foliage contain calcium oxalate, which irritates skin and is toxic if eaten, and some species have naturalised as invasive plants in warm regions.

Native Range

Schefflera spp. in its broad sense is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and Central and South America, with centres of diversity in Southeast Asia and the Neotropics. Species grow in rainforest and forest-margin habitats.

Suggested Uses

Schefflera spp. is grown as a houseplant, in conservatories, and as a landscape tree or screen in tropical and subtropical gardens. Compact species suit containers and indoor display. In frost-free climates taller species are planted for shade and screening, though some have naturalised and spread into natural areas.

How to Identify

Identify Schefflera spp. by its palmately compound leaves with several glossy leaflets spreading from a central point on a long petiole. The small flowers are clustered in branched panicles or elongated racemes held above the foliage. The radiating leaflets and the small fleshy fruit separate it from other ivy-family plants.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 50'

Width/Spread3' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Summer Fall

Flowering in the tropics can occur at almost any time, while in cultivation outdoors it is most common in summer and autumn. The small flowers form on branched or spike-like clusters and are followed by red to dark purple fruit. Indoor plants rarely flower.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish to red

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Schefflera spp. grows in full sun to part shade in warm, frost-free conditions and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. As a houseplant it needs bright, indirect light, even moisture, and protection from temperatures below about 10 C (50 F). A soil pH around 6.0-7.0 is suitable. Plants tolerate occasional drought but drop leaves in cold drafts or prolonged dryness. The sap contains calcium oxalate, which causes skin irritation and is toxic if chewed or swallowed. Outdoor plants in warm climates can grow quickly and need space.

Pruning

Stems are cut back in spring to control height and encourage bushier growth, and leggy houseplants can be pruned hard to force new shoots from the base. Cut stems exude sap that irritates skin. Removing the growing tip promotes branching.